---
title: "There’s Already a Smashed-Up Tesla Model 3 at a Salvage Auction"
description: "Ask yourself, do you have what it takes to put this smashed-up Tesla Model 3 back together on the cheap?"
date: "2018-02-01"
modified: "2018-02-01"
authors:
  - name: "Kyle Cheromcha"
    job_title: "Editor-in-Chief"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/kyle-cheromcha"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/18165/theres-already-a-smashed-up-and-wrecked-tesla-model-3-at-a-salvage-auction"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Tesla News"
tags:
  - "Auction"
  - "compact"
  - "Crash"
  - "Electric Cars"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "insurance"
  - "model 3"
  - "Salvage"
  - "sedan"
  - "Tesla"
---

# There’s Already a Smashed-Up Tesla Model 3 at a Salvage Auction

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/02/tesla-1-copy.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

In many ways, [insurance salvage auctions](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/16019/you-wont-believe-how-much-blood-is-inside-this-2007-lincoln-mkz-at-a-salvage-auction>) are the great equalizer in the automotive world. No matter how important, how anticipated, how advanced a new car is, there will always be a first to fall to the scrappers—and become available to DIY-types at a steep, steep discount. So ask yourself, do you have what it takes to put this smashed-up [Tesla Model 3](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/17280/tesla-model-3-the-first-serious-review>) back together?

This particular Model 3 [popped up on the *Insurance Auto Auctions*](<https://www.iaai.com/Vehicle?itemID=27286912&RowNumber=0&loadRecent=True>) site this week with just 490 miles on the odometer following [a head-on crash](<https://electrek.co/2018/01/24/tesla-model-3-crash-in-traffic-light-pole-crumple-zone-capacity/>) with a heavy-duty light pole in Redondo Beach, California. Its generous crumple zone may have spared the occupants from injury, but as a result the front end is entirely horseshoed and basically destroyed.

![message-editor%2F1517519853460-tesla7copy.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1517519853460-tesla7copy.jpg>)
**Insurance Auto Auctions**

A random YouTube vlogger happened to record a short clip showing the aftermath of the crash. [It can be found here with the video cued in,](<https://youtu.be/Rcn00F7dnLk?t=7m16s>) but we're warning you: Watch no more than 20 seconds unless you want to feel a deep-seated anger at kids these days fill you for the next few hours.

![message-editor%2F1517519913100-tesla5copy.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1517519913100-tesla5copy.jpg>)
**Insurance Auto Auctions**

The auction listing is light on details, but it does note that the [much-hyped electric car](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/17312/tesla-model-3-sets-new-ev-cannonball-run-record-of-50-hours-16-minutes>) no longer starts, though one picture shows the big interior information screen still works. We're guessing there's some not-insignificant drivetrain damage if it won't start; at the very least, the next owner is probably looking at a new front axle. A shot of the VIN plate confirms the Model 3 was built back in the middle of December as chassis number 1,492 off the line.

![message-editor%2F1517520155128-tesla3copy.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1517520155128-tesla3copy.jpg>)
**Insurance Auto Auctions**

Losing it like this after just a few weeks is certainly unfortunate for the owner, who must have waited patiently for over a year and a half as one of the earliest Model 3 reservation holders. But their loss can be your gain, assuming the batteries are undamaged and speculators don't drive up the price too much when the auction eventually gets under way.

![message-editor%2F1517520217998-tesla6copynew.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1517520217998-tesla6copynew.jpg>)
**Insurance Auto Auctions**

Of course, any buyer will have to face some tough math, because here's no way this wreck can be brought back to showroom shape without spending a ridiculous amount that basically negates the entire concept of an entry-level electric car. So let's get creative instead: Tesla Model 3 [spec racing series,](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/14274/jaguar-introduces-all-electric-i-pace-formula-e-support-racing-series>) anyone?

## Author
Overseeing an expert staff of writers and editors from his lair in Los Angeles, Kyle shapes The Drive’s singular approach to covering the automotive industry and car culture. He’s been with the site as a writer since 2017, taking over as editor in 2019. On a daily basis, Kyle is responsible for directing The Drive's editorial news and car review content strategies, setting special coverage priorities, managing complex reporting projects, and ensuring what you read on the page meets our high internal standards for quality and trustworthiness. He is also the executive producer of The Drive's YouTube channel, which was relaunched in February 2024 to great acclaim and has accumulated over 14M new views in its first year back on the scene. He hosts a biweekly series on the channel where he breaks down fascinating and complicated stories from the automotive world.

### Author social links  
[Bluesky](<https://bsky.app/profile/kylecheromcha.bsky.social>)  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/kylecheromcha>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-cheromcha-1550248a/>)